By popular request, I have agreed to "jump the gun" so to speak and start delivering information/translations on the latest card sets! And just in time, too, as we turn the pages towards a brand new chapter...

Transcending history and the world, a tale of Spirits and Swords, eternally retold....

Light and Darkness... Two opposing forces forever locked in battle... The realm of Legendia is yet another setting for this perpetual clash. Now, a new mythic legend of the epic struggle between Light and Darkness centered around the mysterious Sabaki no Shinken ("Blades of Divine Judgment") is about to begin....

Fourteen years have passed since the Great Riot that rocked Atlantia, Legendia's largest country, to its core... Our main protagonist, Tsurugi Tatewaki, managed to get away from the incident at a very young age. With absolutely no clue as to the secrets of his birth, he now resides in the frontier Stone Continent of Pacifis, having grown into an energetic young man. One day, completely by accident, Tsurugi finds the Sacred Blade of Radiance, the "Shining Sword;" this event was only the start of a grand adventure. In order to shield him from the Militia of Darkness who are after the Sword Braves, an automaton suddenly appears before Tsurugi—It was Bringer, a guard battle android charged with being Tsurugi's guardian.

"Now executing commands... Bringer shall protect Tsurugi."

Learning the ways of Battle Spirits dueling from Bringer, Tsurugi resolves to face the Armies of Darkness together with his own power and his newly earned key Spirit "Shining Dragon"!

"I'm gonna do this. It must be done!"

In the midst of the battle between the forces of Light and Darkness and the race for the legendary Twelve Sword Braves, will Tsurugi be able to join his powers with those allies also chosen to be Sword Eyes and win against his brother Yaiba, separated from him since birth, who now stands as his greatest enemy!? And what will become of the world of Legendia once this war reaches its conclusion...?!? —from Nagoya TV's "Battle Spirits: Sword Eyes" website—

...If the blatant reference to the SoulCalibur series didn't clue you in, we are about to enter a new era in Battle Spirits, heralded by the premiere of the fifth anime season "Battle Spirits: Sword Eyes" beginning this Sunday. This new high-fantasy adventure of warring kingdoms will serve as the backdrop for the upcoming Blade's Edge Saga next month. To gear us up for all the new mechanics coming to the game, Bandai will release two new Starter Decks this Saturday in Japan: the Ruby deck "Shining Charge" and the Diamond Deck "Dark Rush." These have been advertised as exact replicas of the decks to be used by the main hero Tsurugi and his rival brother Yaiba in the show.

True to the main story of this saga, "Light and Darkness" will be a prominent theme featured in these decks and the upcoming sets. Remember how there's always a marker just left of the Japanese card name that displays what kind of card it is? That symbol now changes depending on whether it's a Light card or Darkness card.

As implied by the Starter Deck titles, Spirits and Braves of Light and Darkness each get unique keyword abilities never seen before! The new Light Ability CHARGE [written as 強化 Kyouka ("Strengthen"), read as チャージ Chaaji ("Charge")], just like the Japanese kanji say, strengthens the special effects of your cards; the more Light Spirits you have on the Field, the more power your special effects pack. The effects targeted vary depending on the Gem Color of the Light Spirit/Brave. The Darkness Ability RUSH [written as 連鎖 Rensa ("Combo"/"Chain"), read as ラッシュ Rasshu ("Rush")] activate unique special effects by linking with other Gem Colors; the effects here also vary depending on the Gem Color of the Darkness Spirit/Brave and the conditions required to activate the Rush effect. My next post will provide demonstrations on these new keywords.

Last edited by Smash Spirit on Mon Sep 10, 2012 1:48 pm; edited 1 time in total

When This Spirit Attacks (Lv. 1-2-3): Destroy an opposing Spirit with 4000BP or less.(Lv. 2-3): All of your Spirits with the Special Light Spirit Ability CHARGE gain the following effect: "When This Spirit Attacks: RAGE <Special Ruby Ability> If your opponent has any unexhausted Spirits available, he/she must block this attack."(Lv. 3): CHARGE <<Special Light Spirit Ability>>(Ruby Version)Increase the maximum value of your Battle Point based destroyer abilities by +1000BP.

If you can recall, the Spell Card [SD03-016] Sagitta Flame allows you to destroy any number of opposing Spirits up to a max total value of 5000BP. If you have three Light Siegwurms on the Field, they each increase the destructive power of your cards by +1000BP each; now Sagitta Flame lets you destroy8000BPworth of Spirits instead of just 5000!

As mentioned earlier, the effect changes brought on by the Charge ability change depending on the Spirit's Gem Color, as shown.Ruby Version: "Destroy opposing Spirits with ????BP or less." = Increase the maximum value of your Battle Point based destroyer abilities by +1000BP.Amethyst Version:**Currently TOP SECRET**Emerald Version:**Currently TOP SECRET**Diamond Version:**Currently TOP SECRET**Topaz Version: "Decrease an opposing Spirit's Battle Point strength by -????BP." = Strengthen the Battle Point depleting abilities of your cards by a further -1000BP.Sapphire Version: "Discard the top X cards in your opponent's deck." = Increase the discarding abilities of your cards by +1 card.—————To demonstrate the Darkness Spirit/Brave Ability RUSH, Bandai chose the promotional card Dark Mitsujarashi.

When Summoned (Lv. 1-2): Add a Core from the Void to one of your Spirits.Darkness Spirit Ability RUSH Conditions: "Sapphire Gem Symbol"If the above conditions are currently on your Field, proceed to activate the following effect.(Sapphire Gem Symbol):For the remainder of this turn, your opponent will only be allowed to use Spell Cards that are the same Gem Color as the Symbols currently on his/her Field.

When you first summon Dark Mitsujarashi, first perform its "When Summoned" ability, then check if its Rush conditions are met. If the requirement is satisfied, the Rush effect immediately activates afterwards as if it were a linked combo effect. Any opposing "When Destroyed" effects or Burst Triggers cannot activate before a Rush effect is in play; they must wait until after the Rush ability is complete. If the Rush conditions are not met (in Dark Mitsujarashi's case, if you have no Sapphire Gem Symbols on the Field), only the first normal effect activates ("When Summoned").

In celebration of Battle Spirits entering its fifth year, all cards have received a radical design renewal on the frame layout, bringing more emphasis on the artwork of the cards. Sadly, this results in having no more official English card names from this point onwards, so the names of cards from this set and beyond will be subject to variation based on personal preferences and/or yet-to-be-revealed cross reference connections. Here are the deck lists for the two new Starter Decks; full card information will hopefully be available soon.

When This Spirit Attacks (Lv. 1-2): This Spirit gains +1000BP.(Lv. 2): CHARGE <<Special Light Spirit Ability>>(Ruby Version)Increase the maximum value of Battle Point based destroyer abilities of your cards by +1000BP.Today I shall look into the current condition of this land's Sword. As I spot the dragon on the move so early in the morning, I too begin my operation.—————[SD10-003] MIRAGE WYVERN {2} -1Rミラージュ・ワイバーン (Miraaju-Waibaan)Uncommon Ruby Spirit [R] Astral DragonLevel 1 <1>: 2000BP, Level 2 <2>: 3000BP, Level 3 <5>: 4000BP

When This Spirit Attacks (Lv. 2-3): Draw a card from your deck."The legendary Twelve Swords are revered by every country in the world. It was around the same time as the current incident that the Swords vanished without a trace." —The Murmurs of Lapis, the First of the Month of Mutsuki——————[SD10-004] SEASMOKER THE STEAM DRAGON {2} -2R蒸気竜シースモーカー (Joukiryuu Shiisumookaa)Common Ruby Spirit [R] Astral DragonLevel 1 <1>: 1000BP, Level 2 <3>: 2000BP

During Your Attack Phase (Lv. 1-2): All of your Spirits who have the Special Light Spirit Ability CHARGE gain +2000BP.(Lv. 2): CHARGE <<Special Light Spirit Ability>>(Ruby Version)Increase the maximum value of Battle Point based destroyer abilities of your cards by +1000BP."Long, long ago, when the world of Light and Darkness was on the verge of total collapse, twelve legendary Swords were gathered; through their power, order was restored." —The Murmurs of Lapis, the First of the Month of Mutsuki——————[SD10-009] SUN PILLAR DRAGON {4} -3Rサンピラー・ドラゴン (Sanpiraa-Doragon)Uncommon Ruby Light Spirit [R] Astral DragonLevel 1 <1>: 2000BP, Level 2 <3>: 5000BP

When Summoned (Lv. 1-2): Return one "Astral Dragon" Attribute Spirit in your Trash back to your hand.(Lv. 2): CHARGE <<Special Light Spirit Ability>>(Ruby Version)Increase the maximum value of Battle Point based destroyer abilities of your cards by +1000BP.My homeland has no great Sword with which to represent itself. After confirming the existence of the Swords of other nations, perhaps I should make a Sword of my own after my journey ends....—————[SD10-010] SUPERCELL DRAGOON THE STORMDRAKE {5} -2R荒天竜スーパーセル・ドラグーン (Koutenryuu Suupaaseru-Doraguun)Master Rare Ruby Spirit [R] Astral DragonLevel 1 <1>: 4000BP, Level 2 <3>: 6000BP, Level 3 <5>: 7000BP

When Summoned (Lv. 1-2-3): Destroy two opposing Spirits with 4000BP or less.When This Spirit Attacks (Lv. 2-3): For every Spirit on your Field that has the Special Light Spirit Ability CHARGE, this Spirit gains +2000BP.When This Spirit Attacks (Lv. 3): You can choose a target opposing Spirit to attack.The mighty Dragons are not only powerful beings that live on this earth; they even move their surrounding environment to their will.<<Concept Origin: "Supercell," a usually severe thunderstorm characterized by a deep, persistently rotating updraft; often the "breeding grounds" for tornadoes>>—————[SD10-011] DUSTOILE {3} -2Rダストワール (Dasutowaaru)Common Ruby Brave: Astral Dragon/Machine DragonLevel 1 <1>: 3000BP, BRAVE <0>: +3000BP

When This Brave is Summoned (Lv. 1): Destroy one of your opponent's Nexus.BRAVE FUSION: Special Light Spirit Ability CHARGE[BRAVE FUSION] When This Spirit Brave Attacks: Destroy an opposing Spirit with 3000BP or less.Even though they are the same species as others, there are some Dragons out there that can change shape and become the source of another Dragon's power, thus playing a supporting role.<<Possible Name Origin (Fusion): "Dusk" + "Étoile" (French: "star")>>—————[SD10-012] ASTRAL CAPITAL OF ERUPTING MAGMA {3} -2R噴き上がるマグマの星都 (Fukiagaru Maguma no Seito)Uncommon Ruby Nexus [R]Level 1 <0>, Level 2 <2>

During Your Attack Phase (Lv. 1-2): All of your "Astral Dragon" Attribute Spirits gain +2000BP.During Each Attack Phase (Lv. 2): When you destroy an opposing Spirit with the special effects of one of your Spirits, draw one card from your deck.A central city where magma eruptions occur all year long. As this land constantly receives more blasts of magma, a special ore is created; this ore is a prime raw material key to making a great sword.—————[SD10-013] DRAGON CATAPULT AIMED AT THE HEAVENS {4} -3R天目指す竜射台 (Ten Mezasu Ryuushadai)Uncommon Ruby Nexus [R]Level 1 <0>, Level 2 <1>

During Your Opponent's Attack Phase (Lv. 1-2): When you lose a Life Core due to an opposing Spirit's attack, destroy an opposing Spirit that attacked who has 5000BP or less.During Your Attack Phase (Lv. 2): When one of your Spirits with the Special Light Spirit Ability CHARGE destroys an opposing Spirit, destroy one of your opponent's Nexus.This nation's defense system is stable and reliable. The Dragons take off at high speed from this launching platform and patrol their surroundings from the skies. It's most likely thanks to this that news of the Sword's whereabouts reached out so early in the morning.—————[SD10-014] TWIN FLAME {3} -1Rツインフレイム (Tsuin Fureimu)Common Ruby Spell

Flash Timing: By destroying one of your Ruby Spirits, you can forcibly end the Attack Phase when the current battle finishes. This effect can only be used during your opponent's Attack Phase.—————[SD10-016] CHARGE DRAW {5} -3Rチャージドロー (Chaaji Doroo)Rare Ruby Spell

Main Phase: Draw two cards from your deck. Afterwards, reveal the next top two cards in your deck, then add any Spirits or Braves with the Special Light Spirit/Brave Ability CHARGE that show up to your hand. Return the remaining cards to the top of your deck in any order you wish.Flash Timing: For the duration of this turn, one of your Spirits gains +3000BP.—————[SD10-X01] SHINING DRAGON {6} -3R輝龍シャイニング・ドラゴン (Kiryuu Shainingu-Doragon)X-Rare Ruby Light Spirit [R] Astral DragonLevel 1 <1>: 5000BP, Level 2 <3>: 8000BP, Level 3 <4>: 11,000BP

When Summoned (Lv. 1-2-3): You can summon a Ruby Brave in your hand to the Field without paying the Core Cost.When This Spirit Attacks (Lv. 2-3): Destroy an opposing Spirit with 5000BP or less.(Lv. 3): CHARGE <<Special Light Spirit Ability>>(Ruby Version)Increase the maximum value of Battle Point based destroyer abilities of your cards by +1000BP.As light shines upon the world, the Dragon that captures that light emits a sparkling radiance.<<Translator's Note: The 輝龍 "Kiryuu" in this Spirit's name can literally translate to "Shining Dragon" from Japanese, so the full name of this X-Rare would be "Shining Dragon the Shining Dragon".... Why do the Japanese love redundancy so much?!>>—————[SD10-X02] SHINING SWORD, SACRED BLADE OF RADIANCE {7} -3R輝きの聖剣シャイニング・ソード (Kagayaki no Seiken Shainingu-Soodo)X-Rare Ruby Light Sword Brave [R] Exalted SwordLevel 1 <1>: 5000BP, BRAVE <0>: +5000BP

When This Brave is Summoned (Lv. 1): Destroy all opposing Spirits with 3000BP or less, then draw a card from your deck for each Spirit destroyed with this effect.(Lv. 1): CHARGE <<Special Light Brave Ability>>(Ruby Version)Increase the maximum value of Battle Point based destroyer abilities of your cards by +1000BP.BRAVE FUSION: 5+ Core Cost[BRAVE FUSION]: CHARGE <<Special Light Brave Ability>>(Ruby Version)Increase the maximum value of Battle Point based destroyer abilities of your cards by +1000BP.This is the Divine Blade that was found just recently. From this point on, a new journey that will span the world begins.

(Lv. 1-2): INVINCIBILITY: Ruby <Special Diamond Ability>This Spirit is invincible against the effects of all opposing Spirits, Braves, Nexus, and Spell Cards of the Gem Color stated above.(Lv. 2): Treat this Spirit as a Diamond Spirit as well as an Emerald Spirit.When compared with the Lands of Light, this region is very dark. We had hunches that finding the Swords would be difficult, but after searching for so long with next to no leads, it's becoming more likely that the Swords will never be found....<<Name Origin: "Shrike," a passerine bird also sometimes called a "butcherbird" due to its feeding habits>>—————[SD11-002] BOBCATZ {1} -1Dボブキャッツ (Bobukyattsu)Common Diamond Spirit [D] Machine BeastLevel 1 <1>: 2000BP, Level 2 <2>: 3000BP, Level 3 <3>: 4000BP

The Twelve Divine Blades boast a tremendous amount of power, but no one has ever been able to master them. There have been rumors of a swordsman who once wielded these Swords long ago, but it is unknown whether or not those stories are true.—————[SD11-003] DARK CARIBOU {2} -1Dダーク・カリブー (Daaku-Karibuu)Common Diamond Darkness Spirit [D] Machine BeastLevel 1 <1>: 1000BP, Level 2 <2>: 3000BP

When Blocking (Lv. 1-2): This Spirit gains +3000BP.When Blocking (Lv. 2): Add one Core from the Void to this Spirit.Darkness Spirit Ability RUSH Conditions: "Emerald Gem Symbol"If the above condition is currently available on your Field, proceed to activate the following effect.(Emerald Gem Symbol):Exhaust an opposing Spirit.The body of this species is completely black. According to rumors, this was a different being before having transformed to the way it is now. Now I'm curious as to what was its original form.—————[SD11-004] RHINOGOLD {3} -1Dライノゴルド (Rainogorudo)Common Diamond Spirit [D] Machine BeastLevel 1 <1>: 3000BP, Level 2 <2>: 4000BP, Level 3 <4>: 6000BP

(Lv. 1-2-3): This Spirit is able to block even when exhausted.When Blocking (Lv. 2-3): This Spirit gains +3000BP."The treasured Sword that was supposed to have been repaired is gone.... Why did this happen...?" —The Mutterings of Luchiru, the Fourth of the Month of Kannazuki——————[SD11-005] DARK GADPHANT {3} -2Dダーク・ガドファント (Daaku-Gadofanto)Common Diamond Darkness Spirit [D] Machine BeastLevel 1 <1>: 3000BP, Level 2 <2>: 4000BP

When Summoned (Lv. 1-2): Return an opposing Spirit with 2000BP or less back to your opponent's hand.Darkness Spirit Ability RUSH Conditions: "Emerald Gem Symbol"If the above condition is currently available on your Field, proceed to activate the following effect.(Emerald Gem Symbol):Add a Core from the Void to this Spirit.(Lv. 2): INVINCIBILITY: Ruby/Sapphire <Special Diamond Ability>This Spirit is invincible against the effects of all opposing Spirits, Braves, Nexus, and Spell Cards of the Gem Colors stated above.The people of this land say that the berserk monsters seem to have increased in number since the great incident that rocked the world. Either way, I want to run away from this dangerous place.<<Name Origin (Fusion): "Gadget" + "Elephant">>—————[SD11-006] BLANC FALCON {4} -2Dブラン・ファルコン (Buran-Farukon)Common Diamond Spirit [D] Machine BeastLevel 1 <1>: 3000BP, Level 2 <2>: 5000BP, Level 3 <3>: 6000BP

During Your Opponent's Attack Phase (Lv. 1-2): If he/she is able to, your opponent must attack at least once per turn.When Blocking (Lv. 2): This Spirit gains +3000BP.Darkness Spirit Ability RUSH Conditions: "Emerald Gem Symbol"If the above condition is currently available on your Field, proceed to activate the following effect.(Emerald Gem Symbol):Exhaust an opposing Spirit.A giant beast let us ride on it to help in the search for the Sword. This proved a very efficient way to cross the continent, but due to the intense vibrations, both my companion and I wound up feeling severely sick.—————[SD11-008] WISE MONKEY {5} -3Dワイズ・モンキー (Waizu-Monkii)Uncommon Diamond Spirit [D] Machine BeastLevel 1 <1>: 4000BP, Level 2 <2>: 8000BP

During Your Attack Phase (Lv. 1-2): The "When Blocking" abilities of all of your "Machine Beast" Attribute Spirits now activate when they attack."Now I must travel through every land to find comrades? What a fine mess I got myself into...." —The Mutterings of Luchiru, the First of the Month of Kannazuki——————[SD11-009] SILVER JACKAL THE HUNTING MECHABEAST {6} -3D猟機獣シルバー・ジャッカル (Ryoukijuu Shirubaa-Jakkaru)Uncommon Diamond Darkness Spirit [D] Machine BeastLevel 1 <1>: 5000BP, Level 2 <2>: 7000BP, Level 3 <5>: 10,000BP

When Blocking (Lv. 1-2-3): When you destroy only an opposing Spirit based on Battle Point difference, send one of your opponent's Life Cores to his/her Reserve.Darkness Spirit Ability RUSH Conditions: "Emerald Gem Symbol"If the above condition is currently available on your Field, proceed to activate the following effect.(Emerald Gem Symbol):Your opponent cannot activate a Burst Trigger."I've now entered the White Lands of Hakua. On top of it being freezing cold, it's dark! This place makes me uncomfortable...." —The Mutterings of Luchiru, the Second of the Month of Kannazuki——————[SD11-010] DARK URANUS {6} -2D, -2Eダーク・ウラノス (Daaku-Uranosu)Master Rare Diamond Darkness Spirit [D] Machine Beast/ImpLevel 1 <1>: 5000BP, Level 2 <2>: 7000BP, Level 3 <4>: 9000BP

(Lv. 2-3): Treat this Spirit as a Diamond Spirit as well as an Emerald Spirit.[BRAVE FUSION] When This Spirit Brave Attacks (Lv. 2-3): Refresh this Spirit by exhausting an opposing Spirit with 7000BP or more.Darkness Spirit Ability RUSH Conditions: "Emerald Gem Symbol"If the above condition is currently available on your Field, proceed to activate the following effect.(Emerald Gem Symbol):Add a Core from the Void to this Spirit.The hordes of black species from within the Darkness are quite menacing.—————[SD11-011] JET GANNETT {3} -2Dジェット・ガネット (Jetto-Ganetto)Common Diamond Brave: Machine BeastLevel 1 <1>: 3000BP, BRAVE <0>: +4000BP

When This Brave is Summoned (Lv. 1): Return one opposing Nexus to your opponent's hand.BRAVE FUSION: 4+ Core Cost[BRAVE FUSION] During Your Opponent's Attack Phase: When an opposing Spirit with 4000BP or more attacks, refresh this Spirit.A large flying form suddenly appeared. It carried us over to our next destination.—————[SD11-012] UNDERGROUND LAKE OF THE ICE BLADE {3} -1D氷刃の地底湖 (Hyoujin no Chiteiko)Uncommon Diamond Nexus [D]Level 1 <0>, Level 2 <1>

During Your Opponent's Attack Phase (Lv. 1-2): All of your "Machine Beast" Attribute Spirits gain +2000BP.During Your Opponent's Attack Phase (Lv. 2): When one of your "Machine Beast" Attribute Spirits blocks, add a Core from the Void to that Spirit.There is a large cluster of ice that appears to imitate a lake. It's a very mystical scene, but true to its name, you could be dragged into its frosty clutches, so there's a feeling of unspeakable terror about this place.—————[SD11-013] LOST CRYSTAL {4} -2D迷子水晶 (Maigo Suishou)Uncommon Diamond Nexus [D]Level 1 <0>, Level 2 <2>

When This Nexus is Destroyed (Lv. 1-2): You may summon a Diamond Spirit from your hand to the Field without paying its Core Cost.(Lv. 2): All of your "Machine Beast" Attribute Spirits gain the following effect: "INVINCIBILITY: Ruby <Special Diamond Ability> This Spirit is invincible against the effects of all opposing Spirits, Braves, Nexus, and Spell Cards of the Gem Color stated above."This giant crystal, an unnatural existence, can be seen from miles away. I have taken a portion of this crystal for materials to make a gem.—————[SD11-014] WIND WALL {4} -2Dウィンドウォール (Windo Wooru)Common Diamond Spell

When Blocking (Lv. 1-2-3): When you destroy only an opposing Spirit based on Battle Point difference, refresh this Spirit. This Spirit also gains +3000BP for the duration of this turn.When in Battle (Lv. 3): Return an opposing Spirit with a Core Cost of 6 or less back to your opponent's hand.Darkness Spirit Ability RUSH Conditions: "Emerald Gem Symbol"If the above condition is currently available on your Field, proceed to activate the following effect.(Emerald Gem Symbol):Exhaust an opposing Spirit.From darkness into darkness, the nine-tailed beast swings down his blade.—————[SD11-X02] MIDNIGHT SUN, TREASURED SWORD OF THE WHITE NIGHT {6} -6D白夜の宝剣ミッドナイト・サン (Byakuya no Houken Middonaito-San)X-Rare Diamond Sword Brave [D] Exalted SwordLevel 1 <1>: 5000BP, BRAVE <0> +5000BP

BRAVE FUSION: 5+ Core Cost[BRAVE FUSION]: INVINCIBILITY: Emerald/Diamond/Topaz/Sapphire <Special Diamond Ability>This Spirit is invincible against the effects of all opposing Spirits, Braves, Nexus, and Spell Cards of the Gem Colors stated above.[BRAVE FUSION]: This Spirit can activate its Special Darkness Spirit Ability RUSH while ignoring its conditions.In the darkness, this treasured sword beautifully emits an aura of unusual color.